Visitors from Charles University

In June, the Sussex Centre for Language Studies (SCLS) hosted a group of 39 staff members from Charles University on campus. The group included members of non-teaching staff from departments such as Finance, HR, IT and the International Office at Charles University.

Whilst on campus, the visitors followed intensive English language programmes aimed at helping them further improve their English skills, which they need for their day-to-day work at Charles University. Additionally, the visitors had the opportunity to meet with representatives from a number of Professional Services teams such as Global Engagement, International Student Support, the Student Life team and the Housing team.

Charles University is one of the oldest universities in Europe, having been founded in 1348. Sussex has a long-standing Erasmus+ student exchange agreement with Charles University and in 2018/19 the two universities exchanged a total of 16 students. This most recent visit arose from connections made during an Erasmus+ Staff Training week hosted on campus back in March 2014 by the Sussex Abroad team. In addition to exchanging staff members and students for a year or a term of studies abroad at the other institution, the two universities have this year agreed to exchange students onto their respective summer schools.

SCLS runs short English courses over the summer for both individuals and groups visiting from universities across the world. These courses typically last from one to ten weeks in June, July and August and are full time, 21 hours per week. The aim is to provide an overall improvement in language proficiency and communication skills and to increase knowledge and understanding of British life and culture.

Referring to the recent visit, Emily Sinclair, Head of Global Mobility, said: “We are very pleased to welcome our colleagues from Charles University. Building on the long history of successful student and staff exchanges between our two institutions, it has been exciting to see how this link with one of our key European partners continues to develop and create opportunities for staff and students across both institutions.”

Jeremy Page, Director of the Sussex Centre for Language Studies, added: “It has been a real pleasure to host a visit by staff from Charles University to the Centre and to engage in formal and informal exchanges with them. Some excellent foundations have been laid for future collaboration.”